On the third of February, SEKEM’s Heliopolis University for Sustainable Development, a pioneering institution at the forefront of integrating sustainable development into higher education, hosted the “Localizing Organic Medicinal and Aromatic Plant Cultivation” Forum. During the event, the university also celebrated the Egyptian Biodynamic Association (EBDA) Carbon Ceremony. This ceremony celebrated one hundred of the EBDA farmers who transitioned to organic and biodynamic agriculture, rewarding them for their sustainable efforts through carbon credits. Additionally, the event explored the transformative potential of organic and biodynamic farming models, particularly in the New Valley region, as viable solutions to global challenges including water scarcity and climate change.
The forum was well attended by notable attendees including Dr. Hani Sweilem, Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation; Mr. Alaa Farouk, Minister of Agriculture and Land Reclamation; Major General Dr. Mohamed El-Zamlout, Governor of the New Valley; Dr. Mohamed Hani Ghoneim, Governor of Beni Suef; representatives from various agricultural associations across Egypt; and a diverse group of investors.
A key highlight was a presentation by Concrete, Egypt’s largest local retailer for menswear and kids’ wear. The company shared their sustainability journey, illustrating how they offset carbon emissions by purchasing carbon credits from the EBDA’s innovative Economy of Love (EoL) initiative. This collaboration exemplifies how private sector engagement can drive significant progress in sustainability efforts.
What does it mean for us?
Commenting on the event, Helmy Abouleish, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Heliopolis University and CEO of SEKEM Group, emphasized: “At Heliopolis University, education for sustainable development is not merely a priority; it is the cornerstone of our mission. We are committed to empowering the next generation with the essential knowledge and industry- and community-based education needed to save our planet and engage effectively with communities. Hosting this forum underscores our unwavering commitment to this mission. The New Valley presents substantial opportunities for sustainable investments that can significantly address global challenges by revitalizing degraded land, diversifying crops, and improving water efficiency.
Mr. Helmy added: “We also take pride in collaborating with the Egyptian Biodynamic Association (EBDA) to recognize our farmers’ sustainable efforts during this event. By bringing such initiatives to our campus, we aim to inspire similar models across institutions in Egypt. The support from government officials at this event reflects a collective commitment to not only adapting to global challenges but also actively seeking effective solutions.”